Abstract:
A three-dimensional object printer comprises a platen, a gantry positioned above the platen, an ejector head positioned on the gantry, a sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to operate the ejector to eject at least one drop of material toward the platen at an upper build level and determine process and cross-process differentials between a fiducial and the at least one drop of material deposited on the upper build surface. The controller is also configured to determine an ejector head shift in a process direction and a cross-process direction associated with each of the plurality of build levels based at least in part on the determined process and cross-process differentials and a number of build levels between the base build level and the upper build level.
Abstract:
An apparatus detects inoperative inkjets during printing of three-dimensional objects. The apparatus includes a reversible thermal substrate that changes optical density in areas where material drops are ejected onto the substrate. An optical sensor generates image data of the substrate after material drops are ejected onto the substrate and these image data are analyzed to identify inoperative inkjets.
Abstract:
An apparatus detects inoperative inkjets during printing of three-dimensional objects. The apparatus includes a reversible thermal substrate that changes optical density in areas where material drops are ejected onto the substrate. An optical sensor generates image data of the substrate after material drops are ejected onto the substrate and these image data are analyzed to identify inoperative inkjets.
Abstract:
A printer detects inoperative inkjets during printing of three-dimensional objects. The printer includes an area where a printhead ejects material in a predetermined pattern and a profilometer is operated to measure the ejected material in the area. The measurements are used to identify inoperative inkjets or inkjets that operate errantly.
Abstract:
An apparatus detects inoperative inkjets during printing of three-dimensional objects. The apparatus includes a reversible thermal substrate that changes optical density in areas where material drops are ejected onto the substrate. An optical sensor generates image data of the substrate after material drops are ejected onto the substrate and these image data are analyzed to identify inoperative inkjets.
Abstract:
Devices include an inkjet printhead having nozzles and a transport item adjacent the nozzles. The transport item includes vacuum openings adapted to maintain print media on the transport item. The transport item moves the print media in a processing direction. The transport item also includes a jetting area lacking the vacuum openings. The jetting area is elongated and is oriented perpendicular to the processing direction. The nozzles are controlled to eject ink to the jetting area when the nozzles are aligned with the jetting area.
Abstract:
A direct-to-object printer includes a vaporizer to attenuate the effect of oxygen inhibition on the curing of non-aqueous ultraviolet (UV) marking material ejected onto the surface of an object printed by the printer. The vaporizer includes a heating element to form a vapor from a solution of solvent and particulate and a pressurized air source to direct the vapor toward the object to enable a portion of the vapor to condense on the object. The condensed vapor forms a barrier that attenuates the effect of oxygen inhibition on the curing of non-aqueous UV marking material.
Abstract:
An apparatus detects inoperative inkjets during printing of three-dimensional objects. The apparatus includes a reversible thermal substrate that changes optical density in areas where material drops are ejected onto the substrate. An optical sensor generates image data of the substrate after material drops are ejected onto the substrate and these image data are analyzed to identify inoperative inkjets.
Abstract:
An apparatus detects inoperative inkjets during printing of three-dimensional objects. The apparatus includes a reversible thermal substrate that changes optical density in areas where material drops are ejected onto the substrate. An optical sensor generates image data of the substrate after material drops are ejected onto the substrate and these image data are analyzed to identify inoperative inkjets.
Abstract:
A 3D printer configured to print a 3D part includes an ejector having a nozzle that is configured to eject drops of a build material. The 3D printer also includes a build plate positioned below the nozzle. The drops land and solidify on the build plate to form at least a portion of the 3D part. The 3D printer also includes a first heater positioned under or within the build plate. The first heater is configured to heat the build plate and the 3D part thereon. The 3D printer also includes a second heater positioned laterally-offset from the build plate. The second heater is configured to heat a volume of air between the nozzle and an upper surface of the 3D part. The 3D printer also includes an enclosure. The nozzle, the build plate, the first heater, and the second heater are positioned at least partially within the enclosure.